Mule Deer Hunt Timing

[VAspeedgoat]

I will hopefully be going on my first mule deer hunt this fall and need advise. The region I plan on hunting has a two week season that coincides with the opening day of elk as well. My question is, will this really mess up a first timers hunt with both elk and mule deer hunters hitting the woods the same day? Should I consider going the second week to avoid hunters or will the hunting pressure stay pretty constant? I'm kust not sure what to expect for an opening day or week. Any advice would be appreciated. Success is more important than taking a trophy.

 

[Paul in Idaho]

Timing of hunter pressure will probably vary between areas. Some places I have hunted were full of hunters the first few days, while pressure other places has seemed to depend more on weather conditions. In general, opening day seems to cause a bigger crowd, and I'd agree deer and elk opening together are likely to increase it.

I will be hunting the last days of the season in 2015, since where I'm going the deer may not be in the area until a major storm hits the higher country. Not sure if the same situation may apply to your area.